Sheffield-based entrepreneur Kevin Parkin, former MD of the highly successful, multi-award-winning DavyMarkham, has ambitious plans for his new business venture and will need local talent to help him achieve his vision. In a recent deal Midlands-based manufacturer Precision Technologies International Limited (PTI) (www.ptiltd.co.uk) has comes under the leadership of Parkin, who will become the company’s new Managing Director. Parkin is a forward-thinking, no-nonsense board director with a proven track record in manufacturing and engineering, and an enviable trophy cabinet of industry awards under his belt.
Precision Technologies has a strong heritage in the manufacture of specialist component parts for a wide range of sectors including winning Formula One teams in motorsport as well as aerospace, oil and gas. With Parkin’s vision, the company has plans for expansion into new sectors such as defence, nuclear and medical as well as the creation of new jobs and ambitious plans for its apprentice scheme, including talent from the South Yorkshire region.
Parkin is determined to nurture and develop the UK skills base and find the very best talent in the industry, much of which he believes will come from his hometown. He has exciting plans for developing a formalised apprentice training scheme working with the Universities of Sheffield and local academies. He comments, “The superb foundations that already exist and the skills upon which this business has been developed will continue through these training schemes and we will continue to invest in fine tuning these capabilities. I’m keen to work with our local Universities and academies and source the very best talent from what I know are exceptional manufacturing and engineering departments and enhance manufacturing techniques in the business.”
Parkin’s own training and experience is rooted here in Yorkshire. He originally qualified in Engineering and Business at The University of Huddersfield, later gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing at Bradford University and is also a qualified accountant. In previous management roles, he was responsible for regenerating a number of manufacturing companies, by rapidly identifying key business drivers and introducing accurate and up-to-date manufacturing information.
He is committed to supporting growth in the region and is Freeman of the Company of Cutlers in Sheffield as well as Founder and Trustee of the Work-wise Trust, which introduces young people to the world of manufacturing. He is also an active organiser and supporter of the Sheffield Universities’ Managing Directors’ Club.
Although Precision Technologies has its base in Tamworth, Parkin will continue to reside in Sheffield and commute.